Abuja: Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has commended Nigeria for advancing diaspora engagement.
Dimanche gave the commendation in her remarks at the opening ceremony of the two-day National Diaspora Day celebrations and Merit Awards 2025, tagged “HYBRID,” on Friday in Abuja.
The event, with the theme “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potential for National Development and Growth,” which commenced on Friday, is expected to conclude on Saturday.
She noted that the celebration was a call to action to truly optimise diaspora potential, adding that inclusivity, coherence, and long-term commitment must be ensured.
“This means expanding political participation, including voting rights, recognising statutory rights, establishing credible platforms and meaningful platforms, for dialogue and creation.
“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate the government in Nigeria for its growing commitment to diaspora engagement and the strong collaboration we have enjoyed with various ministries, departments, and agencies.
“As IOM, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting Nigeria in translating diaspora potential into concrete development outcomes. Let us all work together to ensure that no talent is left behind,” she said.
Dimanche added that the organisation’s vision focused on promoting skills, mobility, and knowledge exchange through structured programmes that matched diaspora expertise with local government needs.
According to her, it also facilitates diaspora-led investments through advisory services and partnerships with public and private actors.
“We also focus on improving remittance infrastructure, to reduce transfer costs and maximise development impacts, as well as investing in youth initiatives that promote innovation, leadership, and prosperity entrepreneurship.”
The IOM chief of mission referenced the World Bank’s 2024 report, which states that global official remittances amounted to $ 905 billion. The report also notes that Sub-Saharan Africans received $ 58 billion, while Nigeria recorded a significant inflow of $ 20.9 billion.
This, according to her, marked an 8.9 per cent increase from the previous year.
“Remittances have a vital economic buffer, supporting households, education, healthcare, and livelihoods across the country,” she said.
The event attracted crème de la crème across various walks of life. Crème de la crème) It is a French phrase that means “cream of the cream.
